Māui Slows the Sun
Te Rā
Māui gathers his brothers to weave long ropes and successfully slows the sun, allowing days to be long enough for everyone’s needs.
Source: George Grey, Polynesian Mythology, 1855
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Instructions, three tour demos and a bedtime tale in English. Choose a recording and voice.
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Stories your child can hear
Māui Fishes Up the Island
Te Ika-a-Māui
Māui cleverly hides in a boat and catches a giant fish, which becomes the North Island of New Zealand.
Source: George Grey, Polynesian Mythology, 1855
Māui and the Fire of Mahuika
Māui extinguishes all fires to discover their source, leading him to Mahuika, the goddess of fire, who teaches him how to create fire.
Source: George Grey, Polynesian Mythology, 1855
Rangi, Papa and the Light Between
Tāne lifts the sky to let light into the world, allowing the children of Rangi and Papa to see the beauty around them.
Source: George Grey, Polynesian Mythology, 1855
Kupe Discovers Aotearoa
Aotearoa
Kupe sails across the ocean with his family, discovering Aotearoa, the land of the long white cloud, guided by the stars.
Source: George Grey, Polynesian Mythology, 1855
Hinemoa Swims the Lake
Hinemoa swims across a lake to meet Tūtānekai, overcoming family obstacles to find love and reconciliation.
Source: George Grey, Polynesian Mythology, 1855
Rata and the Birds of the Forest
Rata learns to respect nature after the forest spirits restore a tree he tried to cut down, ultimately helping him build a canoe.
Source: George Grey, Polynesian Mythology, 1855
Māori stories for kids: how Māui slowed the sun and fished up an island
Māori stories come from the far side of the world, and they explain it: why the days are long enough to fish and cook, where fire came from, how the first navigators found Aotearoa by following the stars. The hero of many of them is Māui — the youngest brother, always underestimated, always inventing something. Around him are the sky and the earth, the forest that listens, and an ocean that people crossed by canoe. These are stories about courage, curiosity and respect for the world you live in.
What your child can listen to, by age
- From age 3: “Māui Slows the Sun” and “Māui Fishes Up the Island” — a clear hero, one big idea, plenty of humour.
- From age 6: “Māui and the Fire of Mahuika”, “Rangi, Papa and the Light Between”, “Kupe Discovers Aotearoa”, “Hinemoa Swims the Lake” and “Rata and the Birds of the Forest” — longer journeys, hard choices, and the moment when someone has to ask forgiveness.
What you won't find
Every story is written fresh for your child's age rather than read as-is from a collection: the length, the complexity of the plot and the vocabulary all change. Frightening details are left out, and the ending brings calm. The plots are documented ones, retold for bedtime — not invented.
The story is told in English, by a ready-made voice or by mum's, dad's or grandma's own: a 20–40-second recording made in the app is enough, and that voice will read new stories even when a parent is away. The hero can carry your child's name, the length is 3, 5 or 10 minutes, and any story you've created can be replayed as often as you like without using your balance.
What children discover about this culture
- Discover the importance of family bonds in Māori culture.
- Experience the adventurous spirit of exploration and bravery.
- Understand the significance of nature and its elements in storytelling.
🌍 Three independent choices for your family
Families living abroad can select an interface language, narration language, and plot culture independently. For instance, a family in the U.S. can maintain their home language while introducing their child to Māori traditions through engaging stories. This approach helps preserve cultural heritage and fosters appreciation for diverse narratives.
How it works
1. Record Your Voice
Capture a 20–40 second audio sample of your voice to create a unique AI narration.
2. Choose Your Story
Select from a variety of Māori tales that resonate with your family's values and interests.
3. Enjoy and Replay
Listen to the narrated story and enjoy the option to replay it without using your balance whenever you wish.
Engaging tales that connect family and culture.
Create a storyQuestions and answers
What is the minimum age for these stories?
The minimum age for the stories varies, with some suitable for children as young as 3.
Is there a cost for replaying stories?
The first story doesn't use your balance. Each later new story uses balance minutes, while replaying an existing story doesn't use your balance.
Are the stories based on documented plots?
Yes, the stories are rooted in traditional Māori tales and cultural narratives.
Can I choose different languages for the interface and narration?
Yes, you can select an interface language, narration language, and plot culture independently.
How does pricing work?
The first story doesn't use your balance. Every later new story uses minutes, while replaying an existing story does not.
🗣 On a trip, Destino becomes a live guide
Destino does more than tell bedtime stories. When you travel with your child, the same voice walks the city with you. It is not a recording but a conversation: ask what that building is, ask for the short version, cut in mid-sentence — it answers right away. The whole family or group can listen and talk at the same time.
Your first conversation doesn't use minutes, and the balance is shared with the stories.
Try the live guide